LSU vs. Georgia Tech

By Scouts, Inc

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

LSU offense vs. Georgia Tech defense
QB Jarrett Lee is expected to return from a knee injury that forced him to miss the regular-season finale but true freshman Jordan Jefferson is still expected to start. Jefferson's above-average speed makes him dangerous when he's able to break contain so the Yellow Jackets defensive linemen can't get caught out of their rushing lanes when he drops back to pass. More importantly, LSU WRs Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd form one of the most gifted starting receiver tandems in the nation. They face a Georgia Tech secondary that could be without its best corner Jahi Word-Daniels, who has missed the past five games with a hamstring injury and may not be able to play in this game. However, Jefferson has thrown just 48 passes this season and completed just 41.7 percent of them, he lacks experience and he holds the ball too long. As a result, a talented Georgia Tech front four led by DE Michael Johnson should still be able to get to him at times. Finally, it's important to point out that while Lee could replace Jefferson at some point, he has been an inconsistent passer as well so don't expect the Yellow Jackets to change their approach if he comes into the game.

Considering Jefferson's problems locating and getting the ball to the open man, RBs Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy can expect to see their fair share of eight-man fronts. Making matters worse, Tech DTs Darryl Richard and Vance Walker are tough interior run-stuffers capable of holding their own against LSU's physical interior offensive line. However, the Tigers backs don't need to break long runs to win this game. They need to set up the play-action package and keep Jefferson out of third-and-long situations by consistently picking up three or four yards per carry. It's important that LSU stay committed to the ground game even if it sputters early.